Vegetation and hedge trimmings

Cyclists encounter problems if vegetation along the routes they use is not well trimmed. Overgrown branches can obscure visibility or get in the way, for instance.

Cyclists also suffer when debris is left strewn about following careless or incompetent hedge trimming practices.

Debris has the potential to cause punctures or – worse – it may get caught in wheels sometimes with serious, even fatal, consequences.

Key facts:

It is illegal to obstruct the public highway without legal authority/excuse, or leave debris on it.

Trimming back vegetation is usually the duty of the landowner or occupier, although sometimes the local highways authority is responsible for it.

As a work activity, hedge trimming is subject to the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

A highway authority has a legal duty to assert and protect the public’s right to use and enjoy any highway for which it is responsible; and it must ensure that it is safe for users. As such, authorities have powers to oblige landowners/occupiers to remove obstructions/debris etc.

CTC View (formal statement of CTC's policy):

Those responsible for trimming vegetation should do so regularly and in accordance with best practice

Local authorities and the police should actively pursue and, as necessary, prosecute offenders

Overhanging vegetation and debris along routes used by cyclists, both on and off-road, should be regularly and attentively cleared.